Development Master's internationally recognised

By Soli Wilson 06 March 2020, 8:20PM

The National University (N.U.S.) of Samoa's Master's degree in Development Studies has received international recognition from the International Accreditation Council.

An N.U.S.announcement states that the accreditation follows a review by a team from the European Association of Development Research and Training Institute.

"The review team approved the quality of the programme, the dedication and academic qualifications of the staff in general, the high degree of satisfaction of the students and alumni and the distinctive student intake," the statement reads.

"The N.U.S. Masters in Development degree has been accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Global  Development Studies of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (E.A.D.I.)

"This means that our M.D.S. graduates will be recognised internationally."

The team commented that the unique status of the M.D.S. as a ‘South’-based programme offers close access to the study of development issues and fieldwork research.

“Development Studies at N.U.S. is not just a replication of programmes elsewhere in the world, though it understands and links to these; it is rather firmly embedded in Samoa and fa’aSamoa, it is committed to the development of Samoa, and it is able to offer the rest of the world a unique view of the world of development that is shaped by its special culture, political and geographical environment,” the University's statement reads. 

The review of the programme came with recommendations which suggested that the national university needs to invest resources in the development studies field by adding courses on development economics, global trade, agriculture and rural development.

Another suggestion was to develop the Master's programme to become an International Centre of Excellence in Development Studies focusing on Pacific Island developing states.

Other recommendations included better marketing of the programme to international students; establishing a development studies graduate and student alumni network; and providing adequate finance for the degree's ongoing sustainability. 

"The N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Professor Alec Ekeroma will be looking for opportunities and resources to attract students from overseas, especially from other Pacific Island countries to enroll in this programme," the statement reads.

The Centre for Samoan Studies coordinates the Master's programme; other courses in the programme are offered by the N.U.S. faculties of Arts, Science, Education and Health Science.

By Soli Wilson 06 March 2020, 8:20PM

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